January 2026 - Journal_Final - Flipbook - Page 5
PRESIDENT’S
Message
Hannah Walkes
President
Pipestone Services
Hannah Walkes hails from a traditional crop and livestock farm in
southwest Minnesota. A graduate of South Dakota State University, she
began her career with Pipestone in 2007 and today, serves as President
of Pipestone Services.
Clarity in Chaos
My oldest son began pilot lessons a couple years ago. What struck me most wasn’t how much time
was spent 昀氀ying under perfect conditions—but how much training focused on the things that could
go wrong. The goal isn’t to expect worst case, but to prepare for it so thoroughly that if something
unexpected does happen, decisions are made clearly, calmly, and without emotional delay.
Pig farming isn’t much different.
Today’s production environment is 昀椀lled with variables we can’t control: disease pressure, market
volatility, feed risk, labor challenges, and global uncertainty. When stress is high and information
is incomplete, chaos can creep in quickly. The operations that perform best aren’t reacting in the
moment—they’ve already planned for it. Preparedness is the best insurance you never hope you
have to use.
Chaos is inevitable. Confusion doesn’t have to be. We are here to help.
Thank you for your trust in Pipestone.
Hannah Walkes
P.S. Helping Farmers Today Create
The Farms Of Tomorrow means
supporting student farmers right now!
We’re excited to welcome scholarship
applicants for 2026.
Application and materials can be found
at www.pipestone.com/scholarships.
WINTER 2026 | 5
